Chemical Waste Minimization & Pollution Prevention Program (CWM&PPP)

The main objective of the Chemical Waste Minimization & Pollution Prevention Program is to reduce the generation of regulated chemical waste to the extent that it is economically and technically feasible. In research, teaching, and many other operations at the University, generating waste cannot be avoided.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) require the University to implement a program to reduce and/or eliminated the generation of hazardous waste. The Chemical Waste Mininmization Manual, associated guidance documents, and program initiatives were developed by Environmental Health & Radiation Safety (EHRS) to establish a written plan to address how the University will meet these requirements.

Have a Chemical Safety Question? Call us at (215) 707-2520 (2-2520) or use the EHRS Contact Form.

Chemical Waste Minimization Manual

EHRS-led Program Initiatives

• Centralized Chemical Waste Management
• Carboy Re-Use
• Safe Research Facilities
• Segration of Solvent Wastes
• Chemical Redistribution
• Mercury Thermometer Exchange
• Rechargeable Battery Recycling
• Fluorescent Bulb and Ballast Recycling
• Green Chemistry Principles

University Wide Efforts

Temple University Computer Recycling Center

Computer Recycling Center is an award-winning operation (USEPA Environmental Achivement Award) that gathers surplus computers and electronic equipment from around the University, refurbishes that equipment if possible, redeploys the equipment where appropriate and donates any unwanted usable equipment where applicables.

Temple University Office of Sustainability

The Office of Sustainability advances sustainable academic initiative and research, creates a sustainable campus environment and culture, and works to improve outreach and engagement on sustainable issues.

Resources

• Chemical Waste Minimization & Pollution Prevention Program
• Chemical Waste Minimization Manual
• Chemical Waste Management Program
• Chemical Inventory (CEMS)
• Manage your chemical inventory and access Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in CEMS.
• Log into CEMS (CEMS account required)
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) describe the physical and health hazards of chemicals or chemical-containing products and can be accessed in CEMS.
  • Search for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) (CEMS account NOT required)
• EHRS Publications Related to Chemical Safety
• EHRS has a wide variety of programs and publications (fact sheets, forms, guides, manuals, etc.) available to assist you in working safely with chemicals in your work environment.
• Compliance Regulations, Standards, & Guidelines
  • A listing a key applicable regulations, standards, and external guidelines available for review by the University community.

Training

EHRS offers a wide variety of training courses to increase your knowledge, improve your ability to recognized and mitigate risk, and help maintain a safe work environment.